Hikotron building network of AC chargers

Hikotron is an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging company based in Hamilton that specialises in creating and installing alternating current (AC) public chargers. They aim to provide EV drivers with a service that is focused on a simple user experience, reliability and convenience.

They are working towards establishing New Zealand’s largest EV AC charging network.

The Hikotron Mobile App was created alongside leading local software developers based in New Zealand and with a strong focus on user experience. Users use the app to scan the QR code on the charging station to begin charging. Once charging, users can monitor their session and see when the vehicle is charged.

Pricing is fixed at $0.50 per kWh of electricity consumed.

Currently, Hikotron is partnering with councils across New Zealand to implement public chargers for people within communities to use. They are aiming to place the chargers in places of interest or in car parks for anyone with any type of EV.

The AC chargers that will be placed in the carpark of the Te Awamutu Events Centre are not fast chargers, but rather medium speed chargers “perfect for those wanting to charge their car while attending a meeting or for those wanting to explore around Te Awamutu CBD . . . or for local businesses or residents who can’t install EV chargers themselves,” says director Stephanie Smits O’Callaghan.

Hikotron coming to the Waipa¯ is “great as it enables the uptake of EVs within the community and it gives those the confidence when they make the switch, that they can charge their vehicles on reliable public infrastructure,” says Stephanie.

This also opens doors for businesses that may be wanting to switch their fleet or delivery vehicles to electric.

Stephanie says that “the Waipa¯ district council has been supportive and backed us in installing these charging stations which has been greatly appreciated.”